Tag: Public Health Scotland

Flu activity continues to increase in Scotland

With case numbers for flu rising sharply this week, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their vaccine. 

New figures published today show that laboratory-confirmed cases of flu more than doubled in the past week, rising from 845 to 1,759.  

Hospital admissions due to flu also increased by 70% in the past week, rising from 426 the previous week to 724. 

Those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of serious flu illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death. This is why the flu vaccination programme is focussed on protecting those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with flu. 

Early evidence from UKHSA shows that this year’s vaccine does a good job preventing severe disease, as measured by hospital admissions due to flu for the strains currently circulating in the UK.

Children are around 70-75% less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated, and adults are around 30-40% less likely to attend or be admitted.  

Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, explains:  “Flu can seriously disrupt anyone’s life but, for some people, flu hits harder. With case numbers of flu having risen again in the past week, we’re continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their flu vaccine. Vaccination remains the best way to help protect yourself against serious illness from flu.  

“NHS Boards in Scotland are working at pace to deliver the winter vaccination programme and look forward to welcoming you for your appointment. 

“For more information regarding eligibility and to book, or rearrange, your appointment visit nhsinform.scot/flu” 

Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, which will give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses. 

Everyone who works in the NHS and all frontline social care workers are also eligible for the flu vaccine this winter. 

The flu vaccine is also being offered to all children from 2 years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.  

Look out for your invitation or book your appointment 

Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination will now have received their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding.  

Pregnant women can book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives. 

Those who work in the NHS and frontline social care workers may not receive an invitation and are encouraged to check local arrangements for eligible staff and book their appointment now. 

Parents and carers should have received appointment letters by post, or consent forms in their child’s school bag, and are encouraged to take up the flu vaccine offer this winter.  

What to do if you suspect you have flu 

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay off work or school and away from hospitals until you’re feeling better. Advice on how to recognise and manage flu-like symptoms is available at NHS Inform. 

Additional information 

To find out if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this year visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu 

For more information about the child flu programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu 

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19 this year. More information about the coronavirus vaccine, including who is eligible, is available on www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine 

More information about the RSV vaccine is also available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform and RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform 

More information about the early start to this year’s flu season and the influenza A(H3N2) strain which is currently circulating is available in our recent blog With this year’s flu season starting early, find out how to stay protected – Our blog – Public Health Scotland  

More information on UKHSA’s study is available on their website: Flu vaccine providing important protection despite new subclade – GOV.UK 

Healthcare support over winter

Campaign to ensure people know how to get help

Advice on how to get the right healthcare in the right setting this winter is the focus of an annual campaign launching today (Monday).

This year’s Right Care Right Place Campaign will run across TV, radio, press and digital platforms. It aims to ensure people can get the right care, while also reducing pressures on frontline health services.

As the weather turns colder, Scotland’s NHS and social care services get busier and the awareness campaign helps the public decide whether they should contact their GP or pharmacy, call NHS 24 on 111 or use self-help guides on the NHS Inform website. It reminds everyone that hospital emergency departments should only be visited for critical emergencies.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Pressure on the healthcare system increases in winter months, and the Right Care Right Place campaign helps everyone know where they can go for advice or care for any health concerns during this busy period.

“Of course, people can also help by making sure they receive their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if they’re eligible. This is even more important this year, as early evidence suggests it could be a particularly challenging flu season.

“We are taking a range of measures to ensure our health service is as resilient as possible over the next few months and that our committed health and social care staff are supported.

“We know that staff members work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it and as always, I’d like to thank them for their continued dedication.”

Right care right place | NHS inform

Self-help guides on NHS inform include advice on the most common winter illnesses.

Scotland sets new goal to support breastfeeding mums

A new target will aim to further increase the number of babies who are breastfed at six to eight weeks old.

NHS Scotland will now aim to reduce the ‘drop-off rate’ – the number of mothers who stop breastfeeding – by a further 10% by 2031. The announcement follows recent statistics which showed breastfeeding rates in Scotland are at their highest level since records began in 2002.

The previous target to reduce the drop-off rate by 10% by 2024-25 was exceeded more than twice over, with a 27% reduction since 2017-18.

Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, announced the new breastfeeding goal for Scotland at the Breast Buddies support group at Perth Royal Infirmary.

The Scottish Government has invested more than £11 million additional funding in breastfeeding support since 2018, including almost £359,000 for the Breast Buddies project in Tayside. Last year, NHS Tayside became the first UK health board to receive full UNICEF Gold Baby Friendly accreditation across all services .

Ms Minto said: “The new 2031 target will help us to continue to give all babies the best possible start in life.

“The evidence is clear that supporting, protecting, and promoting breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to improve the health of mother and baby, in both the short and long term.

“Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but for those that do we will support them to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their experiences.

“The record breastfeeding rates we have seen in Scotland would not have been possible without the dedication of NHS staff, infant feeding teams, and peer supporters. They work tirelessly to help new mums achieve their feeding goals and I thank them for their work.”

Holly Hunter, Breast Buddies Peer Supporter: “Having benefitted so much from the support offered by Breast Buddies when I had my first little one, when the opportunity to be able to become a peer supporter came up I jumped at the chance.

“Whether supporting in person or via text, it’s wonderful to be able to provide any help we can, be that a listening ear, support, or advice, particularly during what for some can be at such a vulnerable and challenging time.

“Also seeing the bonds between new mothers as they come together at groups and the support, they offer through the groups we facilitate is amazing.”

Jocelyn Smith, Breast Buddies Perth & Kinross Coordinator: “We are honoured to welcome the Minister to one of our Breast Buddies groups and showcase the invaluable support we provide to families. Since 2017, we have proudly supported families across Perth & Kinross, contributing to the significant rise in breastfeeding rates.

“Our services include antenatal and postnatal support delivered by trained breastfeeding peer supporters, available through local in-person groups, digital WhatsApp communities, and personalised one-to-one text support. Funding is always a challenge, so we deeply value every opportunity to highlight the impact of this work and ensure its sustainability.”

Gillian McMillan, Infant Nutrition Coordinator, NHS Tayside: “Across Tayside more than 70% of babies begin life being breastfed and to ensure mothers can continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose, it is vital that the right support systems are in place.

“The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months of age and then continued breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, up to two years of age and beyond.

“There is robust evidence demonstrating the positive impact of breastfeeding peer support – not only for the mother but for the peer supporters themselves. We are proud to have Breast Buddies working in partnership with NHS Tayside to support mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals.”

Shaping healthier food environments for the next decade

In collaboration with Public Health Scotland, Nesta, an innovation agency for social good, has today published two key publications which explore how Scotland’s planning system can be used to create healthier food environments and support efforts to reduce obesity and health inequalities.

The two publications are:

  • ‘Planning for Healthier Communities – Opportunities in the Scottish Planning System’ (research report)
  • ‘The role of Local Development Plans (LDPs) in shaping healthier food environments across Scotland’ (supporting briefing)

These resources draw on research, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned to recommend practical steps for integrating food environment policies into the local planning system.

Around two thirds of adults in Scotland are living with overweight or obesity, and one in three children starting primary 1 are at risk of overweight or obesity, with rates significantly higher in more deprived areas.

Recent modelling also projects substantial increases in overweight by 2040. The need for change is evident and reducing overweight and obesity is a key priority in Scotland’s Population Health Framework.

Historically, planning policies in Scotland have rarely addressed food environments or obesity directly.  But now, the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) provide an opportunity to change that. LDPs are currently in preparation stage, with decisions taken over the next two to three years shaping Scotland’s food environment for the next decade.

Many organisations, including local authorities and health boards, play a key role in the planning process. These new publications outline key stages and priority areas where public health professionals can contribute and influence the development of plans, such as:

  • providing local health data and expertise to support the case for food environment policies
  • focussing on health inequalities and areas where unhealthy food environments and obesity rates are highest
  • building stronger collaborations between planning and public health to gather evidence and advocate for change

Claire Hislop RNutr (Public Health), Organisational Lead – Food and Physical Activity, Public Health Scotland, said: “Scotland’s current food environment often fails to support healthy eating. This is particularly evident in communities with higher deprivation and where access to affordable, nutritious food can be limited.

“Improving Scotland’s food environment requires a package of measures; utilising the planning process as part of this is both necessary and possible.

“In particular, Local Development Plan preparation offers a unique, but time limited, opportunity to contribute to creating communities that enable and promote healthier food options – for years to come.”

Frances Bain, Mission Manager, Nesta, added: “Nesta were delighted to partner with Public Health Scotland on this research which was carried out through a residency placement and explored the potential to use the planning system to influence healthier food environments.

“Thanks to all the local and national stakeholders who participated in the research and in particular Dr Meadhbh Maguire for leading the work.

“We have been able to outline the opportunities and challenges that exist when considering new planning policies relating to the food environment and highlight the role that local development plans can play in supporting public health.”

Find out more about Nesta

Read the research report and briefing

Breastfeeding in Scotland at highest rate ever recorded

Minister thanks NHS staff for their work supporting mothers

More than half of all babies in Scotland are now breastfed at 6 – 8 weeks, the first time this has been achieved since records began in 2002.

Latest Public Health Scotland Infant Feeding statistics for 2024-25 show that at the time of the 6-8 week review, 51% of babies were being breastfed – 34% exclusively and 17% a mixture of formula and breastfeeding. Inequalities are reducing – the numbers demonstrate that breastfeeding rates among those from the most deprived areas and younger mothers continue to increase. 

The new rates mean the Scottish Government has met the commitment to reduce the drop off in breastfeeding rates at the 6-8 week point by 10% by 2025.

The figures also reveal that 69% of newborns were breastfed for at least some time after birth (up 6% from 2016-17) – this includes an 11% increase in the most deprived areas, from 47% to 58%.

Minister for Public Health Jenni Minto said: “I welcome the news that so many babies in Scotland are now being breastfed. We will continue to protect, promote and support breastfeeding to give all babies the best nutritional start in life and to support families with their infant feeding choices as we know breastfeeding may not be possible for everyone.

“Of course, mothers benefit from support to breastfeed – from their families of course, but I also want to thank all the healthcare staff and their partner organisations who work tirelessly to educate and encourage new mums to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

“The Scottish Government has targeted an additional £11 million over the past seven years towards breastfeeding support. This extra funding has now been transferred to Health Boards so they can adapt their plans to suit local needs and it is particularly pleasing to see breastfeeding rates in the most deprived areas increasing.

“We have also seen good progress in Health Boards implementing the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly standards as a strong foundation for this work.

“Rates have increased in all Health Board areas since 2012/13 and we will keep building on this success as part of our continuing efforts to improve the health of the nation.”

Infant feeding statistics – Financial year 2024 to 2025 – Infant feeding statistics – Publications – Public Health Scotland

The Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative

First Minister highlights importance of flu vaccination

The programme protects those most at risk from severe illness

The First Minister has urged all those eligible for a flu vaccination this year to take up the offer as he received his in Edinburgh.

Getting the flu vaccine is extremely important for those who are most vulnerable to the virus to protect them from severe illness and in some cases, death. Eligible groups include people 65 years and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.

Unpaid carers and health and social care staff are also eligible as the vaccine helps prevent transmission of the virus so helps protect those they are caring for.   

The flu virus is always changing and the vaccination offers the best protection against the strains circulating each winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the peak festive season is important to allow time for your body to build up protection against the virus.

First Minister John Swinney qualifies for a flu vaccine as an unpaid carer. Attending the NHS Lothian centre at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal he said: “I welcome the chance to receive my flu vaccine and I want to thank all those involved in this year’s roll-out.

“Since the start of this year’s programme, staff have delivered more than 980,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk and, with flu cases rising, I would encourage all those who are eligible to take up an appointment ahead of the worst of winter.

“We saw very high levels of the flu virus last year across Scotland, with over 6,500 adults being hospitalised, which contributed to real pressure on the NHS. So please take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and reduce your risk of ending up in hospital.”

Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.

More information on the flu vaccine is available at NHS Inform:

www.nhsinform.scot/flu

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines this year, including RSV and COVID-19. Information on these vaccines is available at: 

Winter vaccines | NHS inform and RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform 

School children and pre-school children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine: 

Child flu vaccine | NHS inform

Whooping cough vaccine successful in reducing hospitalisations

Findings from a paper published in the medical journal, Eurosurveillance, show that fully vaccinated children aged 8 weeks to 17 years were 69% less likely to be hospitalised with whooping cough (pertussis).

The study, which looked at the impact of vaccination on whooping cough-related hospital admissions in children between January 2013 – July 2024, demonstrates the significant protective effect of this childhood vaccination. Being fully vaccinated for their age also reduced the risk of whooping cough-related hospital stays in babies aged 8 weeks to 1 year by 88%.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, and this latest evidence confirms that unimmunised infants are more likely to develop complications which can require hospital treatment.

The study also found lower vaccine uptake in deprived areas, highlighting the need to focus efforts on addressing the persistent health inequalities that leave some communities more vulnerable with others. 

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation Division, PHS said: “This important study clearly highlights the remarkable power of vaccinations to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like whooping cough.

“By ensuring children are fully vaccinated, we can dramatically reduce hospitalisations and complications, safeguarding their health and giving families peace of mind.

“Getting immunised during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby in the first few vulnerable weeks of their life. All pregnant women are eligible for the whooping cough vaccine from week 16 of their pregnancy. The ideal time to get it is between weeks 16 and 32. The whooping cough vaccine is recommended every time you’re pregnant, even if you’ve had the vaccine before.

“It is also extremely important that parents or carers ensure their babies get their whooping cough vaccine which is given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.”

Read the study in full

Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwife about getting the whooping cough vaccine; and you can find more about pregnancy and baby immunisations: www.nhsinform.scot/pregnancyandbabyvaccines

Parents are encouraged to contact their local NHS Immunisation team to arrange for their children to get vaccinated if they have missed any doses. Contact details can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations or by calling 0800 22 44 88.

If you have any concerns about symptoms of whooping cough, speak to your GP practice or phone 111.

New study shows long-term effectiveness of HPV vaccine

An encouraging new study by Public Health Scotland, in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, confirms the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides strong and sustained protection against cervical disease that can develop into cancer.

Data from the study, published in International Journal of Cancer today, show that the HPV vaccine provides protection when administered to girls aged 18 years or less, with the greatest benefits seen in girls vaccinated at age 12-13.

Previous studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. This study using population health data, shows that the vaccine continues to be effective more than 12 years after it was given, in women who came forward for cervical screening.  

The research also shows women from Scotland’s most deprived areas benefited the most from vaccination, helping to reduce health inequalities.

HPV is a common virus, usually spread through sexual contact, and responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer – the fourth-most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. Scotland’s routine cervical cancer screening programme and the HPV immunisation programme, introduced in 2008, work together to both reduce the prevalence of HPV and the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer among women. 

The HPV vaccine is offered as a routine immunisation through schools to all S1 pupils in Scotland. It also helps to protect both boys and girls from genital warts and other HPV-related cancers that can develop later in life, such as some head and neck cancers, and other anogenital cancers.  

Dr Kirsty Roy, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland said: “This study showcases both the effectiveness and impact of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical disease, especially as the strong community protection demonstrated by the data may also be contributing to reductions in cervical disease among women in more deprived areas where vaccine uptake is lower.

“Vaccination against HPV is effective in preventing cervical cancer and, along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.

“I would encourage all S1 pupils in Scotland to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine when it’s offered to protect themselves against future risks. PHS is working closely with Scottish Government and local health boards to ensure the continued uptake of the key cervical cancer prevention measures – the HPV vaccine and routine cervical screening.” 

Dr Tim Palmer, University of Edinburgh, Scottish Clinical Lead for Cervical Screening (rtd), said: “This study shows conclusively that the HPV vaccine prevents the changes that can develop into cancer.

“It also emphasises the need for continued high uptake of the vaccine in schools as vaccination at older ages is much less effective. Screening is still important to prevent disease caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine.”

Read the full study: Sustained impact of bivalent HPV immunisation on CIN incidence over two rounds of cervical screening 

More information about the HPV vaccine, and when and where to get it is available on NHS Inform  

More information on Cervical Screening can be found on Cervical screening (smear test) in Scotland | NHS inform 

Increase in access to GP care

New data shows 2.4 million rise in patient-GP surgery contact

Health Secretary Neil Gray underlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to shift the balance of care to community settings, as new data shows an increase in the number of times people have accessed care at their GP surgery.

Statistics released by Public Health Scotland yesterday show patients in Scotland had 33.98 million direct encounters with staff in General Practice between October 2024 and September 2025 – an increase of 2.4 million on the same 12-month period in 2023-24.

GP numbers have increased in Scotland and to make it easier for people to access GP services and support recruitment, the Scottish Government is investing an additional £531 million of newly agreed funding in General Practice over the next three years, subject to Parliament agreeing future budgets.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are determined to improve access to primary care, and I welcome these figures which show more people are accessing care at their GP surgery.  I am grateful to our hard-working GPs and all practice staff for the care they provide.

“And while GP numbers have risen in Scotland over the last year, we have put a plan in place to go further. 

“We have confirmed that we will invest £531 million over the next three years to significantly boost recruitment and help deliver the capacity needed to improve services for patients.  This is the largest-ever investment in core GP services in Scotland.

“This will be supported by our commitment to open 15 new GP walk-in centres providing care from 12pm-8pm seven days per week, making it easier for people to get the care they need in a way that works for them.”